University of Connecticut
Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Overview
University of Connecticut
Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Dean of its College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR or the College), and Director of the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. UConn seeks candidates who have a comprehensive resume of success in academic leadership roles and who can demonstrate exceptional skills and experience to lead a research and educational enterprise across multiple campuses.
The Dean will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to all aspects of the academic and scholarly program, set priorities for the College, and guide it toward strategic goals of enhancing scholarship, promoting research and outreach, and providing undergraduate and graduate education in a diverse environment. The Dean will appoint endowed faculty chairs and professorships, promote faculty awards and fellowships, advocate for CAHNR, lead development and fundraising, and speak for the College\'s mission of excellence in scholarship, teaching, and Extension outreach. The Dean will advance scholarly activities, promote interdisciplinary opportunities, and serve as the public voice for CAHNR within UConn and across the state and beyond. The Dean reports to the Provost and will collaborate with the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, other Deans, and Department Heads.
The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized, entrepreneurial leader with experience in a research university, demonstrated success as an educator and researcher, and the ability to imagine new possibilities for the College.
The College and Context The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is located on UConn’s Storrs campus with teaching, research, and extension activities across the state. CAHNR is the home of UConn Extension and includes eight academic departments, offering undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate programs. The College hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes and maintains a broad research portfolio with substantial external funding.
CAHNR has a $35 million annual budget, 194 full-time faculty, 111 staff, and approximately 2,400 undergraduate and 520 graduate/professional students. The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station administers the College\'s research programs. Annual CAHNR research expenditures are about $40 million.
The Leadership Charge CAHNR is the oldest college at UConn and serves a state focused on local, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and a One Health approach. The Dean will continue to innovate, directing development of new programs, expanding extramural funding, and promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Dean will articulate a vision for the College within the University, the state, and the nation and will shape the organization to grow programs and attract students to succeed.
The Position Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs for all matters, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of CAHNR and the Director of both the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. The Dean oversees faculty appointments, promotions and tenure, undergraduate education, and graduate education in partnership with the Graduate School. The Dean is responsible for academic rules and regulations, advising, academic integrity, faculty staffing and development, research activities, and resource management within the College. The Dean\'s office includes several Associate Deans and nine department heads, along with support staff.
The Dean will promote an innovative research environment and educational programs, represent the University on matters related to research, education, and outreach, exercise stewardship of financial and physical resources, ensure budgets align with priorities, and work with the UConn Foundation on fundraising and alumni relations. The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized, strong, self-assured, entrepreneurial leader able to infuse CAHNR with pride, purpose, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership for CAHNR\'s academic departments, research centers, and extension programs, advancing excellence in teaching, research, and outreach across agriculture, health, and natural resources.
Steward CAHNR\'s financial, human, and physical resources effectively, ensuring alignment with university priorities and supporting long-term growth and impact.
Recruit, retain, and support an outstanding and diverse faculty, staff, and student body, fostering a climate of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity.
Strengthen student recruitment, retention, and graduation outcomes by building pathways from K-12 and community colleges and ensuring high-quality, innovative undergraduate and graduate programs.
Elevate CAHNR\'s national and global reputation by highlighting its strengths in food systems, health, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Advance interdisciplinary initiatives with other UConn schools, colleges, and partners to address complex challenges in agriculture, health, and natural resources.
Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, industry, community organizations, and government agencies to support CAHNR\'s mission and expand fundraising and partnership opportunities.
Serve as a visible advocate for CAHNR within UConn and beyond, communicating the College\'s contributions to the University\'s land-grant mission of education, research, and service.
Minimum Qualifications
Credentials that merit appointment at the rank of tenured Professor or a current appointment at UConn at the rank of Professor in one of CAHNR\'s academic departments, including a doctoral degree or other terminal degree in a field relevant to leadership in academic affairs and the College. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
Progressively responsible leadership experience at a higher education institution, with knowledge of core management functions and university policies and procedures.
Success in building and executing a strategic and fiscally-sound academic budget.
Solid track record in meeting a university mission with respect to enrollment, graduation, research, innovation, and fundraising.
Preferred Qualifications
Background and experience pertinent to CAHNR programs, with understanding of the land-grant and sea-grant missions and CAHNR\'s education opportunities.
Ability to support research and extension, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and secure extramural funding from state, federal, or foundation sources.
Track record of nationally and globally recognized leadership in research and innovation, including membership in national academies.
Proven ability to recruit, retain, and support research and instructional faculty and staff in a competitive environment, and to motivate and manage staff effectively.
Administrative leadership experience managing complex budgets, allocating resources, and aligning finances with mission and goals.
Experience as an agent of innovation and change, with ability to articulate a vision and lead implementation across a complex organization.
Strong business and political acumen, conflict resolution, consensus building, and advocacy for resources and priorities.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including initiatives to foster a supportive climate for all.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Experience in fundraising and advancement, including partnerships with alumni, donors, industry, government, and community organizations.
Experience with outreach and engagement to represent CAHNR to external constituencies locally, nationally, and globally.
Appointment Terms This is a full-time, 12-month, management-exempt position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. The successful candidate may be considered for a 9-month, tenure-track academic appointment in one of the University\'s schools/colleges.
This is a full-time position to be performed on-site in Connecticut. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
Application Information Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of Connecticut in the search for the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest are invited. Review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. Nominations and applications are preferred before January 13, 2026. Contact Parker Executive Search for more information.
Porsha Williams, Vice President; Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal; Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate; Parker Executive Search; Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875; Atlanta, GA 30328; (770) 804-1996 ext.: 111; pwilliams@parkersearch.com; janderson@parkersearch.com; jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com
Terms and Conditions of Employment Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics. All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
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Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve as the Dean of its College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR or the College), and Director of the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. UConn seeks candidates who have a comprehensive resume of success in academic leadership roles and who can demonstrate exceptional skills and experience to lead a research and educational enterprise across multiple campuses.
The Dean will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to all aspects of the academic and scholarly program, set priorities for the College, and guide it toward strategic goals of enhancing scholarship, promoting research and outreach, and providing undergraduate and graduate education in a diverse environment. The Dean will appoint endowed faculty chairs and professorships, promote faculty awards and fellowships, advocate for CAHNR, lead development and fundraising, and speak for the College\'s mission of excellence in scholarship, teaching, and Extension outreach. The Dean will advance scholarly activities, promote interdisciplinary opportunities, and serve as the public voice for CAHNR within UConn and across the state and beyond. The Dean reports to the Provost and will collaborate with the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, other Deans, and Department Heads.
The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized, entrepreneurial leader with experience in a research university, demonstrated success as an educator and researcher, and the ability to imagine new possibilities for the College.
The College and Context The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) is located on UConn’s Storrs campus with teaching, research, and extension activities across the state. CAHNR is the home of UConn Extension and includes eight academic departments, offering undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate programs. The College hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes and maintains a broad research portfolio with substantial external funding.
CAHNR has a $35 million annual budget, 194 full-time faculty, 111 staff, and approximately 2,400 undergraduate and 520 graduate/professional students. The Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station administers the College\'s research programs. Annual CAHNR research expenditures are about $40 million.
The Leadership Charge CAHNR is the oldest college at UConn and serves a state focused on local, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and a One Health approach. The Dean will continue to innovate, directing development of new programs, expanding extramural funding, and promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Dean will articulate a vision for the College within the University, the state, and the nation and will shape the organization to grow programs and attract students to succeed.
The Position Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs for all matters, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of CAHNR and the Director of both the Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and the Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. The Dean oversees faculty appointments, promotions and tenure, undergraduate education, and graduate education in partnership with the Graduate School. The Dean is responsible for academic rules and regulations, advising, academic integrity, faculty staffing and development, research activities, and resource management within the College. The Dean\'s office includes several Associate Deans and nine department heads, along with support staff.
The Dean will promote an innovative research environment and educational programs, represent the University on matters related to research, education, and outreach, exercise stewardship of financial and physical resources, ensure budgets align with priorities, and work with the UConn Foundation on fundraising and alumni relations. The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized, strong, self-assured, entrepreneurial leader able to infuse CAHNR with pride, purpose, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership for CAHNR\'s academic departments, research centers, and extension programs, advancing excellence in teaching, research, and outreach across agriculture, health, and natural resources.
Steward CAHNR\'s financial, human, and physical resources effectively, ensuring alignment with university priorities and supporting long-term growth and impact.
Recruit, retain, and support an outstanding and diverse faculty, staff, and student body, fostering a climate of respect, collaboration, and inclusivity.
Strengthen student recruitment, retention, and graduation outcomes by building pathways from K-12 and community colleges and ensuring high-quality, innovative undergraduate and graduate programs.
Elevate CAHNR\'s national and global reputation by highlighting its strengths in food systems, health, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Advance interdisciplinary initiatives with other UConn schools, colleges, and partners to address complex challenges in agriculture, health, and natural resources.
Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, industry, community organizations, and government agencies to support CAHNR\'s mission and expand fundraising and partnership opportunities.
Serve as a visible advocate for CAHNR within UConn and beyond, communicating the College\'s contributions to the University\'s land-grant mission of education, research, and service.
Minimum Qualifications
Credentials that merit appointment at the rank of tenured Professor or a current appointment at UConn at the rank of Professor in one of CAHNR\'s academic departments, including a doctoral degree or other terminal degree in a field relevant to leadership in academic affairs and the College. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
Progressively responsible leadership experience at a higher education institution, with knowledge of core management functions and university policies and procedures.
Success in building and executing a strategic and fiscally-sound academic budget.
Solid track record in meeting a university mission with respect to enrollment, graduation, research, innovation, and fundraising.
Preferred Qualifications
Background and experience pertinent to CAHNR programs, with understanding of the land-grant and sea-grant missions and CAHNR\'s education opportunities.
Ability to support research and extension, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and secure extramural funding from state, federal, or foundation sources.
Track record of nationally and globally recognized leadership in research and innovation, including membership in national academies.
Proven ability to recruit, retain, and support research and instructional faculty and staff in a competitive environment, and to motivate and manage staff effectively.
Administrative leadership experience managing complex budgets, allocating resources, and aligning finances with mission and goals.
Experience as an agent of innovation and change, with ability to articulate a vision and lead implementation across a complex organization.
Strong business and political acumen, conflict resolution, consensus building, and advocacy for resources and priorities.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including initiatives to foster a supportive climate for all.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Experience in fundraising and advancement, including partnerships with alumni, donors, industry, government, and community organizations.
Experience with outreach and engagement to represent CAHNR to external constituencies locally, nationally, and globally.
Appointment Terms This is a full-time, 12-month, management-exempt position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. The successful candidate may be considered for a 9-month, tenure-track academic appointment in one of the University\'s schools/colleges.
This is a full-time position to be performed on-site in Connecticut. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
Application Information Parker Executive Search is assisting the University of Connecticut in the search for the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest are invited. Review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. Nominations and applications are preferred before January 13, 2026. Contact Parker Executive Search for more information.
Porsha Williams, Vice President; Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal; Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate; Parker Executive Search; Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875; Atlanta, GA 30328; (770) 804-1996 ext.: 111; pwilliams@parkersearch.com; janderson@parkersearch.com; jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com
Terms and Conditions of Employment Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics. All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
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